Demolition of former downtown library continues

November 21, 2008

Demolition continues on the downtown building that once housed the Biloxi Public Library, across the street from City Hall.

Workers have already removed the entire roof and northernmost walls of the 30,000-square-foot building and began removing the southernmost walls today. Two backhoes were used to rip through the building’s tin roof and pull down walls.

Initial demolition work actually began two weeks ago, when contractors began removing interior lighting and fixtures. A huge mural of a mermaid inside the building, as well as a Tricentennial mosaic on the western side of the building, are being spared from demolition.

The library, which sustained about three feet of water in Hurricane Katrina, was declared “functionally and economically obsolete” by engineers.

Demolition is expected to be completed in a couple of weeks. Last phase of the $200,000 work will be removal of a three-story tall tower that stands at the westernmost end of the site.

Council preview: The Biloxi City Council will consider a revised version of the city’s pending annexation case when it meets Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 at City Hall. The annexation measure is one of nearly two dozen on the council’s agenda. To see the complete agenda and available resolutions, click here.

Weekend preview: Shows by the Neville Brothers and Gladys Knight are among this weekend’s entertainment offerings. For a lineup of things to see and do, click here.